ISO 27001 is a rigid criterion, and it can be challenging for your business to manage if you're getting certified for the first time. It is essential for you to understand which policies and rules you will need and if you are ready for an audit. It is vital you understand the ISO 27001 certification process that can help you plan an effective audit. Using the services of a professional ISO 27001 consultant can be very helpful for your business. 

The ISO 27001 process:

1] Create a project plan 

Determine who within your organization will manage the process, establish clear expectations, and align with your goals. 

a] Have you got ISO 27001 certified professionals in your employment?

b] Consider hiring an ISO 27001 consultant to help you guide the operation if you lack in-house expertise. 

2]  Specify the scope of your ISMS (Information Management Security System) 

Your products and services are different from other businesses, and you will have a diverse set of data. Before creating your ISMS, you'll need to decide precisely what kind of information you will need to secure. 

3]  Conduct a risk appraisal and gap analysis 

A proper risk assessment is a prerequisite for ISO 27001 compliance. You should record the information and findings from your risk assessment

4] Plan and execute policies and controls 

The ISO 27001 consulting service will develop a plan outlining how your company will address and mitigate risks. The auditor will examine the outcomes you've made about each identified threat during your ISO 27001 certification audit. You also need to prepare a Statement of Applicability and a Risk Treatment Plan as part of your audit-proof.

The Statement of Applicability outlines and defines which ISO 27001 controls and policies are appropriate to your organization. 

The Risk Treatment Plan registers how your company will react to the perils you specified during your risk assessment process.

The ISO 27001 standard designs four actions: 

• Specify the risk by establishing commands that reduce the possibility 

• Avoid the risk by controlling the option that it could occur.

• Share the threat with a third party.

• Assume the risk if the price of handling is higher than the potential damage.  

5] Complete employee training 

ISO 27001 requirements demand that you train all your employees in information security. This way, everyone within your company will understand the significance of data protection and its role in both attaining and sustaining compliance. 

6]: Record and collect evidence 

To obtain ISO 27001 certification, your consultant will assist you in proving that you have specified acceptable policies and controls and ensure they're functioning as required by the ISO 27001 standard. 

7] Complete ISO 27001 certification audit 

The auditor will assess your ISMS to confirm that it meets ISO 27001 requirements and issue your certification

8] Maintain continuous compliance  

Ensure you examine and explore your ISMS to confirm its efficacy as your business grows.

Conclusion:

There will be innumerable papers to collect, record, and update as you process the credential policies and ISO 27001 audit. You must organize the documents to enable the auditor to verify them. In case, you are not confident, partner with an ISO 27001 consultant.